Everything You Need to Know About Turkey Season Opening Dates in Arkansas

Spring turkey hunting in Arkansas is an annual tradition for thousands of hunters The excitement builds leading up to opening day. But when exactly does turkey season start in the Natural State?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the key dates for the 2023 Arkansas spring turkey hunt including youth weekend, opening day for each zone and season closure. Read on to plan your hunt timeline and hit the woods when gobblers are active and vocal.

Overview of Arkansas Turkey Zones

Before looking at dates, it helps to understand the zone structure in Arkansas. There are two main turkey zones that each have their own opening and closing days:

• Zone 1 covers northwest and northcentral counties. This zone opens earlier but has a shorter overall season.

• Zone 2 covers the rest of the state including central, southcentral, southeast and northeast regions. This zone opens a week after Zone 1 but stays open longer overall.

The zone map is published each year in the AGFC turkey hunting regulations guide Check the latest year’s guide for the most up to date info Zone lines generally follow county boundaries.

In addition, some wildlife management areas (WMAs) fall into their own zones with specialized dates. Check regulations for WMAs you plan to hunt.

Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend

Kicking off spring turkey season is the special youth weekend. Here are the key details:

• Youth weekend takes place on the Saturday and Sunday prior to opening day of Zone 1.

• For 2023, youth hunting weekend is April 8-9.

• Only licensed hunters ages 6-15 may participate in the youth hunt.

• Youth must be supervised by an adult age 21 or older unless they have completed a hunter education course.

• The bag limit is one bearded turkey total over the weekend. This bird counts towards the youth’s full season limit.

The youth hunt is a great opportunity to introduce a new generation to turkey hunting. It also gives young hunters special access to quality hunting before the crowds move in on opening day.

Zone 1 Opening Day

Zone 1 in northwest Arkansas opens each year on the Monday after the youth hunt weekend.

• For 2023, the Zone 1 opening day is April 10.

Hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey on the opening day in Zone 1. This counts toward the total limit. Shooting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise until 1 p.m.

Zone 1 offers a great early season opportunity to target vocal gobblers on their breeding grounds. Hunters who harvest a second bird must do so in Zone 2 later in the season.

Zone 2 Opening Day

The opening day in Zone 2 is the following Monday after Zone 1. This gives hunters a two day break between the zone openings.

• For 2023, Zone 2 opens on April 17.

On Zone 2 opening day, hunters may harvest two bearded turkeys if they possess the correct licenses and stamps. Check regulations for WMA bag limits, which are lower. Shooting hours are the same, running until 1 p.m.

Turkey Season Closing Dates

In addition to differing opening days, the two turkey zones in Arkansas have different closing dates:

• Zone 1 closes 7 days after opening day, which is April 25 for the 2023 season.

• Zone 2 remains open for a total of 3 weeks, closing on May 7 in 2023.

This allows hunters more time to fill their 2-bird limit. Some WMAs close earlier than the Zone 2 end date, so always check area regulations.

Turkey Hunting License Requirements

To hunt turkeys in Arkansas, all hunters must have:

• A valid hunting license appropriate for their age and residency status

• An Arkansas turkey stamp ($5)

• A free turkey harvest tag for each bird they plan to take

Nonresidents need a nonresident turkey license in addition to the stamp. Youth hunters need a Customer ID number to tag their turkey. Reference the turkey hunting guidebook for all license details.

Turkey Hunting Tips for Opening Days

To conclude, here are a few tips to capitalize on the start of turkey season:

• Scout preseason to find active birds and patterns

• Get permits for wildlife management areas early as quotas fill fast

• Practice calling to sharpen skills before the real thing

• Check multiple weather forecasts to pick best opening day location

• Pack a turkey vest with essential gear to be prepared for long days

• Bring extra layers of clothing in case weather changes

• Get out before dawn to set up on gobbler fly-down spots

• Stay alert and mobile if birds don’t cooperate right away

Following these suggestions will help make the most out of opening days this turkey season. Good luck chasing longbeards! Be sure to pick up your 2023 Arkansas turkey hunting guide for all the latest seasons and regulations info.